I’ve traveled across this great country of ours more times than I can remember, and I’ve never paid for the pleasure. This is because Americans – and even visitors to our great land – are so very helpful to a fellow traveler in need.

Starting out early, I drive to a highway rest stop near a gas station and put on my “Poor me, what will I ever do now” face. I’m well-dressed, well-groomed, and well-spoken. I approach one driver after another, opening with a politely shy “Good morning” and a quick explanation of my dilemma. Basically, I’m out of gas and I need to borrow just $10 to be able to get to Mom’s for her birthday. Or Mother’s Day. Or Christmas. Whatever fits.

Instead of Mom, I may be visiting a sick relative, or “fellow” Vietnam veteran, or going to my brother’s wedding, or reconciling with my wife, or picking up my kid for college. The stories are endless, and if I read the mark – I mean, helpful fellow traveler – correctly, my choice of story could be the difference between a “Sorry, no” and “Sure thing.”

Of course I will pay them back. Just give me your address and I’ll mail it back to you as soon as I get to Mom’s / Uncle Bob’s / Sergeant O’Reilly’s place. For ten bucks, half the people will just let you keep the “loan.” The other half get ripped off, of course.

It’s easy to pick up $50 an hour with this routine, and a $500 day is not unusual. That buys a lot of gas, plus food and motel rooms and souvenirs and a better car, if you save it up for a couple of weeks.

A small, empty gas can is also a convincing prop. This scam works best if you really are on the move. You can’t camp out at the same location for more than a couple of hours before someone catches on and asks the local cops to ruin your trip.

As scams go, this is one of the easiest to fall for. If you want to feel good about yourself by helping out a fellow traveler, go ahead and give him/her a few bucks. Just keep telling yourself that Mom / Uncle Bob / Sergeant O’Reilly will really appreciate your kindness.

Scrud Kelley

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